In early December, Pantone announced the color of the year for 2015…marsala!
I’ll admit that at first I wasn’t a big fan of their selection. Pantone describes it as “robust and earthy” and cites the shade’s universal appeal, drama, and sophistication as the reason for the pick. While this cross between brown and maroon is warm and cozy and could amazingly paint a fall or winter wedding, I felt the color of the year should transcend seasons. However, as the weeks went on, I started to see more of its red hues and less of its brown ones and marsala grew on me! I’m not saying that I wouldn’t have loved a metallic, bright, or jewel-toned selection but marsala can be really beautiful. Imagine it paired with nude tones and light colors, such as pink, pale blue, and even sage. On the other hand, the richness of marsala with burnt orange, mustard yellow, emerald green, and copper would be to die for. Dare I say I like marsala? Here are a few ideas on how you can incorporate what is perhaps my new favorite color into your big day.
Flowers
There are some really beautiful flowers that are more along the berry end of the marsala spectrum. Try dark peonies, dahlias, calla lillies, tulips, pincushion flowers and amaranthus. Mix in some pastels for a floral look that is just dreamy.
Signature Drink
Not only are pomegranates beautiful, but they also make for some pretty tasty beverages. Match the color of your signature drink to the marsala theme by serving pomegranate mojitos or pomegranate vanilla sangria.
Venue and Decor
Lucky for all you marsala lovers that industrical chic is the new black. This trendy wedding look incorporates raw, earthy, distressed, or antique elements for a look that is half modern, half vintage. Look for a venue with lots of exposed brick, such as the Pittsburgh Opera or the New Hazlett Theater. You can also use bricks in your decor…think table numbers, risers for food trays, or even a cake stand!
Menswear
Deck your gents out in dark red jackets, like Jaymie and Jonas did for their real Pittsburgh wedding this fall. If you aren’t that bold, check out the variety of patterns and fabrics available for neck ties, bow ties, and pocket squares at The Tie Bar.
Bridesmaids’ Dresses
The Sipping Sangria dress from ModCloth brings three trends together – marsala, cut outs, and short dresses. It’s a win-win-win. Oh, and ModCloth is a Pittsburgh-born company! Winning x 4!
Makeup and Hair
I love a bride who rock a bold lip on her wedding day. Be brave with a dark shade of red on your mouth and keep the rest of your look neutral. If you are looking for something a little less daring, opt for a vampy shade on your nails instead. Merge two trends into one by wearing a flower crown made with some of the blooms mentioned above!
What do you think of marsala? Did it take a while for it to warm up to you or did you love it right away? Will you be adding it to your big day color palette? For more marsala ideas, check out my Pinterest board!
